Lapis lazuli is one of the metamorphic rocks used as a semi-precious stone and has been known since ancient times. Its name derives from the Latin “lapis”, stone, and from the Arabic “läžwärd”, blue. It has a blue color, given by the high lazurite content, and gold-colored shades, given by pyrite inclusions. Mines in northeastern Afghanistan are among the main sources of extraction of this mineral. Afghanistan was also the source of lapis lazuli supplies for the ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian civilizations, as well as the Greeks and Romans. It is also mined in Russia and Chile and, in smaller quantities, in Pakistan, Italy, Mongolia, the United States and Canada.
Dimensions
Height (cm): about 1.5
Depth (cm): about 1.5
Width (cm): about 1.5
Weight (g): 6
Property
Chemical Formula: Na8[S/(AlSiO4)6]
Mohs scale: 5-6
Relative Density: 2.38-2.42
Crystal System: Cubic